To stop short in any research that bids fair to widen the…
“To stop short in any research that bids fair to widen the gates of knowledge, to recoil from fear of difficulty or adverse criticism, is to bring reproach on science. There is nothing for the investigator to do but go straight on, 'to explore up and down, inch by inch, with the taper his reason;' to follow the light wherever it may lead, even should it at times resemble a will-o'-the-wisp.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage urges scientists to persist despite fear, difficulty, or criticism, following curiosity wherever it leads.
In simple terms: Scientists must keep exploring despite obstacles.
Persist in inquiry despite challenges.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- field studies
- theoretical work
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What obstacles have you faced in research?
- How can you maintain curiosity under pressure?
May underestimate practical constraints of funding and resources.